Our last blog discussed a brief history of shelterbelts in the United States; however, shelterbelts are not the only 'belts' in the U.S. There are over 20 different regions that use the 'belt' terminology to describe climatic, economic, and cultural concentrations.

The 'belt' terminology was first used to describe particular growing regions along the same line of latitude. These regions typically had similar climates, producing the best conditions for certain plant species to thrive (a popular example would be the Coffee Belt along the Equator). Since then, this terminology has been applied to other cultural concentrations in the United States. This list is quite fascinating, in our opinion, marking fertile lands, definite climatic regions, industrial booms, dark historical periods, and distinct cultural presence.

LIST OF BELT REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES

CLICK a title TO BE REDIRECTED TO MORE INFORMATIOn...

Banana Belt A term applied to several U.S. areas with milder climates than their surrounding regions.

Black Belt A region of fertile farmlands in the southeast, now known as a region with a high ratio of African-American residents, descendants of slave laborers on the cotton plantations of the 19th century.

Rust Belt (in the past, commonly known as the Manufacturing Belt, Factory Belt, or Steel Belt) Northeastern and central northern states where heavy industrialization—and some economic stagnation—is common.

Salt Belt A region in the Northeast and Midwest states where large quantities of salt is applied to control snow and ice on roads during the winter season.